Driving Cost from Darien, Illinois to Wheeling, Illinois

A picture depicting a gas pump

The Cost of Driving from Darien to Wheeling: What You Need to Know Based on Current Gas Prices

Planning a trip from Darien, Illinois, to Wheeling, Illinois? It's an exciting journey, especially if you're eager to explore the wonderful sights along the way. However, ensuring that you stick to your budget is essential. Let’s break down the cost of driving along a couple of popular routes, factoring in distance, travel time, gas prices, and tolls.

Route 1: I-88 East and I-294 North

The first route takes you on the I-88 East and I-294 North. This highway is a great choice if you prefer a smooth drive with convenient access to several amenities.

  • Distance: Approximately 40 miles
  • Time: Around 45 minutes without heavy traffic
  • Gas Cost: Currently, gas prices hover around $3.50 per gallon. Your car's average mileage significantly affects this cost. Assuming your vehicle gets about 25 miles per gallon, you'll need 1.6 gallons, which totals roughly $5.60 for gas.
  • Toll Prices: The tolls on I-294 will vary depending on your entry and exit points, but expect to pay around $2.50.

Total Cost for Route 1:

$8.10 for gas and tolls combined.

Route 2: I-55 North and I-294 North

Another option is the I-55 North and I-294 North route. This path may be slightly longer but often experiences less congestion.

  • Distance: About 45 miles
  • Time: Typically, it takes around 50 minutes if the traffic is smooth.
  • Gas Cost: Following the same gas price as before, with your vehicle averaging 25 miles per gallon, you will use approximately 1.8 gallons, which comes to around $6.30 for gas.
  • Toll Prices: You will encounter similar toll costs, roughly $2.50, along this route as well.

Total Cost for Route 2:

$8.80 for gas and tolls combined.

Summing It Up

As you've seen, driving from Darien to Wheeling presents two solid options. Route 1 is a bit shorter and slightly cheaper, while Route 2 offers a slightly longer drive with a minimal increase in costs.

In summary:

  • Route 1 (I-88): $8.10 total cost
  • Route 2 (I-55): $8.80 total cost

No matter which route you choose, you can enjoy the journey while keeping your expenses in check. So, grab your snacks, buckle up, and enjoy your drive to Wheeling! Happy travels!